Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/05/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I am filing a complaint against Abba Designs regarding their failure to fulfill their contractual obligations as my full-time wedding planner. I paid a $1,200 deposit on 2/15 & 2/16 for their services, yet they provided minimal assistance and did not deliver on key promises outlined in their contract and advertised on their website.According to their website, I was supposed to receive a planning checklist within two weeks, summarizing key milestones for my wedding. But, after three weeks, I had still not received it. They also claim to offer a high-level discussion of budget + monthly budget check-ins if necessary, but at no point did they initiate or engage in any budget discussions with me.Additionally, I was left to handle the majority of vendor research on my own. Despite hiring them as a full-time wedding planner, they repeatedly asked me if I had found a hair and makeup artistsomething they were responsible for securing. One of the most alarming issues was when they quoted me $16,000 for florals but refused to provide a breakdown of what was included. Out of concern, I sought quotes from two other florists for the exact same vision and was quoted less than half the price, which led me to question their transparency and integrity.When I addressed my concerns, I was met with a dismissive response, implying that I was "not financially ready" for my wedding. Due to their lack of professionalism, failure to fulfill their obligations, and clear indications of overpricing, I had no choice but to cancel my services. However, they are now refusing to refund my deposit, despite the fact that they did not provide the services I paid ****** appears this company took my deposit with no intention of following through on their commitments, potentially operating under deceptive business practices. I am formally requesting a refund of my deposit as they did not perform the work promised. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/10/2025

  *******, 

   

  I just opened a letter from the BBB ************ location regarding ******** *****. - We will not be issuing a refund, she signed an agreement that states a no refund policy on the retainer for any reason. In over 15 years of business I have not received emails with the language she has sent and used. She is lying on several levels. The last email I sent her is attached below. Please let me know if you would like to have a phone conversation regarding this matter.  We worked 10 hours in planning for her during the short time prior to her firing us. 

   

   

  Dear ********,

  I am writing in response to your request for a refund of the $1,200 nonrefundable deposit paid in connection with our wedding planning contract signed on February 19, 2025. As outlined in the contract, the deposit is explicitly nonrefundable, a condition clearly stated in two separate sections: "Retainer" and "Refund Policy." This deposit secures my company's time and services on your behalf and accounts for the work performed from the outset of our engagement.

  Additionally, the contract specifies an hourly rate of $125 per hour for work performed. Prior to your termination of the contract, we had already dedicated more than 10 hours to planning your wedding, including vendor research, communication, and coordination. All work was conducted in accordance with the contract terms and the service package you selected.

  You selected the Complete Experience Package, which outlines key planning milestones:

  Within two weeks of booking, you will receive a planning checklist summarizing important events.

  Within 60 days of booking, we will put together a general timeline outlining your wedding.

  At the time of your cancellation, neither of these deadlines had passed.  ABBA Design was still well within the agreed-upon timeframe to provide these deliverables.

  You have cited the lack of an overall budget discussion and the absence of a payment schedule as reasons for cancellation. However, our contract explicitly states that budget discussions include a high-level discussion of budget + monthly budget check-ins if necessary. The phrase if necessary makes clear that monthly check-ins were not a required part of our agreement, but rather an optional service to be used as needed. Furthermore, the contract allowed two weeks from signing (business days) to conduct the budget discussion, and even by calendar days, you terminated our agreement before that period had expired.

  Throughout our brief engagement, my team maintained regular communication via email and phone to provide progress updates and guidance on vendor selection. Despite hiring ABBA Designs services to handle the details of your wedding, you continued independent vendor research, which appears to have contributed to your decision to cancel.

  Given the clear contractual terms regarding the nonrefundable nature of the depositreiterated in both the "Retainer" and "Refund Policy" sectionsand the substantial work already completed on your behalf, I must respectfully decline your request for a refund. However, if you would like a detailed summary of the work completed, I would be happy to provide that upon request.

  Please let me know if you have any further questions.

   

   

  

   
  Owner and Lead Designer

  By appointment only | ****************************************************************************************

  Studio Number: ************| ********************************* 

  Get social with us! Instagram | ********

  Read our reviews on Wedding Wire and Triad Weddings